Red Lake Ojibwe (19th century)

     Also known as Little Rock. He was part of the 1863 treaty negotitations where the U.S. government surrounded the Ojibwe negotiators with cannon and threatened them with hanging if they did not sign over their land.

 

 

 

     Omaha Chief (ca. 1772-1842)

     A great peacemaker, although he led war parties on the Pawnees. Also a renowned orator. Once painted by George Catlin. Traveled to Washington, D.C. to sign peace treaties.

 

 

 

     Oglala Sioux (ca. 1863-1950)

     Medicine man and spiritual leader. Witnessed the Battle of Big Horn at age of thirteen. Once fled to Canada with his family to avoid being sent to reservation. Had many dreams and mystical experiences. Dictated his life story in the well-known book, Black Elk Speeks: The Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux.

 

 

 

     Sauk and Fox Brave (1767-1838)

     Black Hawk's mission in life was to right the wrong he saw done in 1804, when William Henry Harrison plied four chiefs of Black Hawk's tribe with drink so they would sign away the Sauk's land. He encouraged the British to make war with the Americans to stop their westward movement. When even the little land his people had saved began to be aquatted on by settlers, Black Hawk went to battle. He eventually became a prisoner of war for several months, then was sent home a folk hero of sorts, hailed by non-Indians as a symbol of the old west. In a last insult his dead body was desecrated by vandals.

 

 

 

     Onondaga (date and birth unknown -1750)

     Canassatego represented the Iroqouis in negotitations with the British. Prpbably killed by pro-French Iroquois.

 

 

 

     Santee Sioux (1858-1939)

     An author and the first Native American physician. He was born in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. Received a B.S. degree from Dartmouth and attended medicial school at Boston University. Was instrumental in founding the Boy Scouts of America and Campfire Girls. Died in Detroit, Michigan.

 

 

 

     Coast Salish (20th century)

     Hereditary chief. Perhaps best known for his role in the movie Little Big Man. Tried to use his writings and media roles to give an accurate depiction of American Indian beliefs and values.

 

 

 

     Nez Perce (1840-1904)

     Best known for his extraordinary attempt to lead his tribe through the western Rockies to Canada to escapethe approaching U.S. Army. They were desperate to avoid being forced onto reservations. After three months, they were caught, and Joseph lived out his life on a reservation. Hw visited Washington, D.C., the year before he died.